Councils warn £6.4bn Welsh Government funding plan still leaves schools and care services under pressure

The provisional figures, published today, promise an average 2.7% increase in funding for local authorities, with a guaranteed minimum uplift of 2.3%. Newport receives the largest rise at 4.3%, reflecting growth in its school‑age population. But the Welsh Local Government Association (WLGA) says the overall £169m cash increase falls far short of the £560m shortfall councils expect to face next year.

Education and social care at the sharp end

Education already accounts for nearly 40% of council spending in Wales, and the strain is visible locally. Carmarthenshire, which will receive £384.8m next year — up £8.9m, or 2.3% — has embarked on a programme of school closures and mergers in recent years, citing rising costs and falling pupil numbers.

Swansea, meanwhile, will receive £494.1m, an increase of £16.1m, also at the minimum 2.3% uplift. Neither council has yet commented publicly on the draft settlement, but WLGA modelling suggests that even a 3% increase would still leave councils hundreds of millions short, raising the prospect of further cuts or tax hikes across Wales.

Leaders warn of structural pressures

WLGA Labour Group Leader Andrew Morgan OBE said the settlement “offers a degree of stability” but warned that “social care, homelessness, education and workforce costs continue to rise faster than resources can keep up.”

Independent Group Leader Mark Pritchard described the gap between demand and resources as “untenable,” warning redundancies would be inevitable without additional support. Plaid Cymru’s Gary Pritchard said many councils were already operating at the limits of what is safe or sustainable, and called for reform of the funding formula. Liberal Democrat Group Leader Jake Berriman added that rural and semi‑rural areas face higher delivery costs that a flat percentage uplift “simply doesn’t reflect.”

Political pressure mounts

Plaid Cymru’s Heledd Fychan MS warned the settlement could lead to “council tax increases of 22% or 14,000 job losses,” while Welsh Conservative shadow local government secretary Joel James said the figures showed the need for “fundamental change” to the funding system.

The Welsh Government said the draft budget marked only the start of negotiations. Cabinet Secretary for Housing and Local Government Jayne Bryant said the settlement was designed to give councils “the stability they need to set budgets which protect and deliver core frontline services.” Finance Secretary Mark Drakeford added that ministers would work closely with councils and opposition parties to ensure the final budget “safeguards jobs and protects frontline services.”

The final settlement is expected in January following consultation and Senedd negotiations.

#budget #cllrAndrewMorgan #councilBudget #councilTax #garyPritchard #heleddFychanMs #jakeBerriman #markDrakeford #markPritchard #welshGovernment #welshLocalGovermentAssociation #wlga

Bridgend to Aberdare bus connection saved in last-minute funding deal

Earlier this year, Stagecoach South Wales announced plans to withdraw part of the 172 service, which runs from Hendreforgan to Bridgend Bus Station, citing declining passenger numbers. The proposed changes would have impacted residents in Evanstown, Gilfach Goch, Glynogwr, and the eastern side of Blackmill, potentially leaving them without direct public transport links to Bridgend town centre.

Following the announcement, council officers and elected members from both Rhondda Cynon Taf and Bridgend County Borough Councils worked swiftly to explore funding options and safeguard the route. Their efforts have now resulted in a successful bid for Welsh Government support, allowing the service to continue in its current format.

Councillor Andrew Morgan OBE, Leader of Rhondda Cynon Taf Council and cabinet member for transport, said:

“We know that residents will be pleased that this route has been saved. This cross-valley route is vital for people to access employment, health, and leisure opportunities across the region, and it was important that we worked with partners to secure the route for the future.”

Cllr Neelo Farr, Bridgend’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Economic Development and Housing, added:

“The number 172 bus service currently connects Aberdare, Merthyr Tydfil, Tonyrefail, and Bridgend — its removal would have represented a significant change to cross-valley travel. The determination and perseverance of council officers and elected members have proven successful. We are all very grateful for their tenacity in protecting this essential service.”

Cllr Hywel Williams, Cabinet Member for Finance and Performance, echoed the sentiment:

“It is a great relief that the bus network connections, so vital for so many people, remain intact. We are thankful to the council officers who secured the necessary funding to ensure the longevity of the service number 172 in its entirety.”

The 172 service plays a crucial role in connecting towns including Aberdare, Merthyr Tydfil, Tonyrefail, and Bridgend, offering access to jobs, healthcare, and education. The funding announcement comes amid wider concerns about bus service reductions across Wales, as passenger numbers remain below pre-pandemic levels and operators face rising costs.

Stagecoach South Wales has confirmed that the service will continue to operate in its current format, and thanked its partners for their collaboration in safeguarding the route.

#Aberdare #Bridgend #Bus #CllrAndrewMorgan #CllrHywelWilliams #CllrNeeloFarr #Stagecoach